Athlone Community Services Council Sing Along Sessions

Description

Athlone Community Services Council’s Sing Along Sessions programme uses up to date technology to pair music lovers with music they love on a weekly basis. End of term performances have to date included a Christmas sing along session in Golden Island shopping centre and an Easter sing along session at a local nursing home.
Participants are actively involved in the development of the programme and the music which is enjoyed within the group as well as decisions about end of term events. Participants are presented with a playlist of songs enjoyed within the group at the end of each term which to date have comprised of 184 songs altogether.
New referrals are regularly joining the group and if a participant is unfortunately no longer able to attend due to a change in their abilities the group plays a song in their honour. Referrals have come through ACSC directly, through other services, through friends and through finding the information on a poster locally.
As group has increased in numbers dancing and instrument playing are also regularly part of the sessions and the sessions are a joyous celebration of life, togetherness and friendship.
The feeling of kindness within the group is especially notable as participants intuitively respond to each other’s needs to ensure that all participants are comfortable and fully involved in the Sing Along sessions regardless of any physical or cognitive challenges.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the Sing Along Sessions is to provide a positive social programme for older people and their supporters which promotes social inclusion, lessens isolation, provides opportunities for friendship building and contributes to the emotional and physical well-being of our older target group.

Who is it aimed at

Older people aged 65+ and their supporters

3 Steps critical to success

1. Securing comfortable and accessible venue and purchasing technological equipment required
2. Engaging with potential participants through our services, older person groups such as Active Age, postering and PPN network
3. Developing the programme with input from participants

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Ensuring an accessible and safe space given the mobility and cognitive restrictions which can affect this target group
2. Ensuring seating for everyone for performance events given the physical restrictions which can affect this target group
3. Ensuring comfort of all participants within the group environment – this is done through a group comfort agreement which has been in place from the beginning to ensure space is kind, respectful and inclusive for all

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 42 participants to date since commencement in September 2024
2. Participants reported that since joining the group they have seen a dramatic increase in mood saying that they leave the group every week ‘on a high’ and that the group has provided opportunity for social interaction and engagement every week .
3. Participants have reported that the group has been extremely beneficial to their overall wellbeing